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Maritime Disputes Highlight Potential Conflicts of Interest Among Defense Forces at Sea (Meelis Oidsalu)

Unmanned surface vessels (USVs) are rapidly transitioning the Baltic Sea into a testing ground, with Denmark beginning naval use of surface drones this summer. Extensive programs for deploying unmanned combat and surveillance vessels are underway in Poland and Germany. However, Estonia remains...

Maritime forces confront ethical dilemmas off the coastline, according to Meelis Oidsalu's report.
Maritime forces confront ethical dilemmas off the coastline, according to Meelis Oidsalu's report.

Maritime Disputes Highlight Potential Conflicts of Interest Among Defense Forces at Sea (Meelis Oidsalu)

In the heart of Europe, the Baltic Sea is rapidly becoming a testing ground for Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs). Poland and Germany are leading the charge, deploying extensive programs to integrate these vessels into their naval operations for both combat and surveillance purposes.

However, not all Baltic Sea countries are on board with this technological shift. Among them, Estonia stands out as the sole country yet to embrace the use of surface drones in their naval operations. Meelis Oidsalu, an editor writing about the topic, has expressed his viewpoint on the suitability of surface drones in Baltic Sea countries.

The Estonian Navy's negative stance towards surface drones could have a significant impact on the future development of these technologies in the region. It may be indicative of a broader trend among Baltic Sea countries regarding surface drone technology.

The development of maritime drones and smart sea defense is not solely the responsibility of the navy. There is a growing need for Baltic Sea countries to reconsider their approach to surface drone technology, considering the potential for increased public debate about their role in defense strategies.

This year, there has been a shift in the perspective of Baltic Sea countries towards surface drones. Denmark officially introduced surface drones into their naval use this summer. Poland and Germany, meanwhile, continue to lead the way, deploying these vessels with increasing frequency.

Despite the growing use of USVs by various countries, excluding Estonia, the responsible organizations for the development and deployment of these vessels in Poland and Germany remain unclear. There is a possibility that Baltic Sea countries are reevaluating their stance on the role of surface drones in their defense strategies.

The Estonian Navy's stance on surface drones may influence the public's perception of these technologies. As the Baltic Sea continues to embrace the era of unmanned vessels, it will be interesting to see how Estonia's position evolves and whether other Baltic Sea countries follow suit.

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